Liberia: Charles Taylor Writes Senate for Benefits

Liberia's former President, Charles G. Taylor has asked the Liberian Senate to ensure that he gets his benefit as former President of Liberia. In a letter to the Senate, former President Taylor said a former President of the Republic who has honorably retired to private life and who is not in any way gainfully employed by government shall receive from government a pension equal to fifty percent (50%) percent of the salary of the incumbent President.

In addition, President Taylor said a former President shall be provided a personal staff and facilities for the remainder of his or her life.

The letter said the amount allowed for this shall not be less than twenty-five thousand United States Dollars ($25.000.O0) per annum.

According to the letter the former President said, "sadly, I am without notice as to why Finance Ministers of the Republic have failed and or refused to comply with the law of the land as regards my annuities."

President Taylor said the fact is that he has not received his entitlement as set out under the law as a former President of Liberia since he resigned the office on August 11, 2003.

The former President said a reasonable observer, properly informed, would reasonably apprehend bias because there is evidence that some individuals that are covered under the Act are receiving their annuities.

"Honorable ladies and Gentlemen, I posit that there is the sacred and overriding principal that "Justice must not only he done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done," former President Taylor said.

President Taylor said ultimately, the action taken so far by Government whether an oversight or contrived, reflect on the integrity and standing and standing as regards the appreciation for the RULE of LAW and the FAIR CONDUCT of Government.

He said the practice of selective application of any law of the Republic is in itself a violation of the law.

"May I with respect, request in this formal manner the intervention of this august body in bringing an end to this mammoth injustice, and cause my lawful annuities to be made available to me. I also pray that the same be done for any other personality who may be a victim of what appears to be a blatant disregard for the laws of the land," former President Taylor said.

When contacted via telephone yesterday, Senate President Pro-tempore Gbehzohngar Findley said the Liberian Senate had received the letter from the former President and it will be "authenticated' for proper action. See Full Text of Former President Taylor's letter inside.

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